After two back-to-back losses, Texas finally found much-needed relief with the return of freshman Aaliyah Crump. The freshman guard rejoined the team after missing 15 games, providing a much-needed boost.

As the SEC conference is underway, Texas stands in 4th place with a 4-2 record. The win against Texas A&M, along with Crump’s comeback, gave them more reasons to celebrate. Recovered from a foot stress fracture, Crump exploded to lead the team with 12 points. She added 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and zero turnovers in just 21 minutes of action.

“I just played free, and I played like myself. I put in the work leading up to this moment, so I knew that I was ready,” she said in her post-match interview. With this 80-35 win at Moody Center, Texas broke its first two-game losing streak since November 2022.

Coach Vic Schaefer did not hold back with the praise, “She’s special,” he said. “These kids who begin with naah, I will just redshirt… And to do that was never in her mind. She’s all in for this team. She wants to play and be a part of this team, and that speaks so much about her character and who she is.”

Crump echoed the feeling, saying, “I’m just passionate about this team and wanted to be a part of it.”

Aaliyah Crump backs the Longhorns' boost

The 6'1 guard was shooting 66.7% from the free throw line, making a game high 4 of the team's total 13. The Minnesota native is now averaging 13 points, 3.2 rebounds,s and a 45.5 FG% in 6 games played.

Texas' growing confidence held the Aggies to just 13 points in the second half, shutting them out entirely over the final 3:59. With depth already stretched thin, Crump’s return helped other teammates shine. Kayla Oldacre made a double-double, while Madison Booker and Rori Harmon both made 10 points each.

"Thought she played with a lot of juice… very aggressive today, and really made things happen," Schaefer added, praising her impact.

As Texas prepares for its next matchup against Arkansas, Crump’s return acts as the confidence boost the team sorely needed.

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi